Leg-protecting device for cattle



Nov. 23 1926.

' W. WITCUFFSK LEG PROTECTING DEVICE FOR CATTLE Filed Nov. 30, 1925 l atented Nov. 23, 1926.

PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM W'ITCUFFSK, OF OKOTOKS, ALBERTA, CANADA.

LEG-PROTECTING DEVICE FOR CATTLE.

Application filed November 30, 1925.

The object of this invention is to provide special means for protecting cattle against the annoyance occasioned by the so-called heel fly which is prevalent in sections of the United States and Canada, and which produces results causing serious loss to stock raisers.

A further object is to provide a device of the type indicated, which shall include an element to be passed around the leg and which "a acapted to be retained by a projecting element or strap end, and a buckle, this portion of the device being reinforced by a metallic element serving to keep the protector in correct position.

A further object is to provide a device in cluding the structure indicated, and further including defending portions movable freely about the heel of the animal, and adapted to serve the purpose intended, that is to prevent annoyance by the particular type of insect specified.

l Vith the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction and arrangen'ient of elements described, illustrated and claimed, it being understood that modifications may be made within the scope of the claim, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawings forming part of this application, D

Figure it shows the oevice in elevation, and in operative position.

Figure 2 is a ierspective view showing the g devices unattached, and showing in line various elements of construction reierrcd to in detail below.

The upper and lower portions of the struc ture being described may if desired be Serial No. 72,384.

formed integrally, so far as the leather or fabric portion is concerned, and in the first instance, I have shown an upper portion 10, which is folded over, to form an inner thickness ll, constituting in a sense a leg guard or protecting device, the outer portion 10 including the defending; strips so formed by slotting or slitting the leather vertically to provide a plurality of tongues or the like, which are movable freely about the ankle of the animal, for the purpose specified.

The extension, or strap 13 is provided with apertures l-l, and the strap is engaged by buckle 15 secured to the end portion 16 of the upper element 10.

Within the inner guard portion ll, 01' between the latter and the outer portion 10, I provide a reinforcing element 16, which may be of wire of suitable gage, and which may also be resilient, the element 16 serving; to hold the encircling member in close contact with the legof the animal and in correct position. The element 16, forms in a sense a split rin and tends to shape the device with reference to the leg, in order to maintain the correct position indicated.

IVh-at is claimed is:

A device of the class described, comprising a leg encircling portion having an inwardly turned portion forming a guard, a reinforcing device, of resilient material, between said guard and the portion. first named, securing means for said leg encircling portion, and devices freely depending from said portion last named.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature.

\ViLLIAM WITCUFFSK. 

